Workplace dress codes direct staff and customer attention to your company’s values and professionalism. Your employees are the face your company presents to the world. Even obvious workplace dress code infractions require a sensitive approach. Resolve an issue with an employee who does not dress to your company standard with discretion. Provide options, preserve your and the employee’s dignity and communicate the value of your dress code policy.

1. Meet with your employee privately, recommends the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Tell him that he is underdressed for your workplace.

2. Express understanding that the employee may not be aware of his dress code infringement. Show him the place in your employee handbook that describes appropriate work attire.

3. Meet with a female employee with another woman manager present. Ask the female manager to address sensitive dress code issues related to a woman who is underdressed if her attire is too revealing. Refer to your handbook to guide the employee’s clothing choices for your workplace.

4. Ask your employee if he has any clothing at work into which he can change. Suggest ideas, such as a jacket or a scarf to cover clothing at issue. Keep the discussion informal, suggests Business Owner’s Toolkit.

5. Send an employee home to change clothing. Use this option if your worker can return to work in a reasonable time or if you cannot resolve his clothing problem.

6. Assure the employee that you know he will make appropriate dress choices in the future. Ask him to review company policy regarding dress so he knows what you expect of him.

Things Needed

Copy of company dress code

Warnings

Avoid discriminating against an employee’s race, religion or gender when discussing his manner of dress.

Do not attack the person’s sense of style or make fun of him, advises the Chamber of Commerce.